From October 15th - 17th 2011 LCD Ethiopia and the Wolaita Zone Education Department hosted the third ‘Woreda School Improvement Conference’ at the Wolaita Development Association Hall. The first two days focussed on the performance of all 15 woreda in the zone and on educational plans for the year 2004 (Ethiopian Calendar). October 17th was set aside to showcase the Woreda School Improvement Project findings. A brochure was prepared to share the learner test results and school performance data against the SIP domains from our four target woredas. Our partner woredas spoke about the learner testing process and impact (Damot Sore), the School Performance Appraisal Meetings (Bolosso Sore), the woreda integrated planning process (Damot Gale), and their efforts to replicate WSIP innovations independently (Damot Pulasa).


The Wolaita Zone Education Head, Ato Woysha Bogale, fully endorsed LCD’s work, and we were delighted to also welcome representatives from the Regional Education Bureau and from our main donor, DFID Ethiopia. The genuine interest in our support to SIP across Wolaita as well as the endorsements at regional level bode well for our future here in SNNPRS.

During the conference two computers were donated by LCD Ethiopia to our phase two woredas – one each for Damot Pulasa and Damot Sore woredas. The computers aim to improve the accessibility of school level performance data and school plans for woreda officials.